⁶ Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to exercise them accordingly: if prophecy, according to the proportion of his faith; ⁷ if service, in his serving; or he who teaches, in his teaching; ⁸ or he who exhorts, in his exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.

Spiritual gifts have been the subject of much popular study, and many lists and “how to discover your spiritual gifts” inventories have been created. Much debate surrounds what some call the “sign” gifts and whether they were limited to apostolic times or are still given and to be exercised today. Certainly Ephesians 2:20 speaks to the foundational character of at least some of the gifts, namely, apostles and prophets: “… God’s household, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the corner stone…” Further, there is a proliferation of patently false manifestations of the miraculous gifts, sometimes bordering on the ridiculous. However, God is certainly not limited in what He can do at any time or dispensation in and through His people.

One thing all studies of this topic have in common is that they all teach that the gifts are given at God’s initiative and enabling, and not because any one of us is special in ourselves, or has earned the right to certain gifts. Second, we note that the gifts are given to individuals (“each of us”) and we each have a responsibility to use the gifts God gives us. The choice is not ours to make. One of the saddest things among God’s people is gifted people who are not using their giftedness for the benefit of the church.

The list given here is not exhaustive (see also 1 Cor 12:7-10, 1 Peter 4:1-11, Eph 4:11), but we have here the gifts of prophecy (speaking “under the immediate influence of the Holy Spirit,” as one commentator puts it), serving, teaching, exhortation, giving, leading and mercy. The word “to exercise” is actually not in the original (in fact, there is no active verb at all in this passage, but it is implied), and only the NASB includes this interpolation. But clearly that word captures the intent of the apostle, that we should make use of our gifts, put them into practice, develop them. They are not to be enjoyed as our own private experience, but are to be used robustly for the benefit of others. They should be used “accordingly,” which means in the appropriate way, in faith, with liberality, diligence and cheerfulness.

Do you, my reader, know what your spiritual gift is, and are you exercising it? God gave it to you, and the church needs you.

Lord, I commit to knowing my gift and using it for Your glory and the benefit of other believers.